The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding the Tax Reform laws. The laws were passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Caucus noted that allegations of unlawful alterations to the laws have raised concerns among Nigerians. “We are aware that this issue has been raised by a member of the House of Representatives,” said Hon. O.K Chinda, Minority Leader.
The House has inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the allegations. The Minority Caucus assured Nigerians that it will stand with the House to expose any illegality and bring culprits to book.
The Caucus explained that legitimate procedures for gazetting laws involve the Clerk to the National Assembly transmitting actual copies of the laws to relevant federal agencies. “The National Assembly is always the custodian of the genuine documents of the laws of the federation,” said Hon. O.K Chinda.
The Minority Caucus called on the government to suspend the implementation of the tax laws until investigations are concluded. “Nigerians and the business community are entitled to copies of the laws that they are expected to comply with,” said Hon. Ali Isa J.C, Minority Whip.
The Caucus vowed to protect the independence of the Legislature and democracy. “Any attempt to foist fake laws on Nigerians is an attack on the independence and constitutional role of the National Assembly,” said Hon. O.K Chinda.
The Minority Caucus urged Nigerians to disregard any purported tax laws being circulated without the signature of the Clerk to the National Assembly and the President. “Such laws did not originate from the National Assembly and do not reflect the true character of what was passed,” said Rep. Aliyu Madaki, Deputy Minority Leader.
The Caucus called for clarity and certainty of the law to be implemented. “We want to assure Nigerians that we will stand with the entire House to see that the circumstances surrounding this illegality are exposed,” said Hon. O.K Chinda.
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